Loretta LaRoche: You can’t worry your problems away

Monday

This is Loretta LaRoche and I approve of the following message.I think we all need a break from bad news, political ads and interviews.

This is Loretta LaRoche and I approve of the following message. I think we all need a break from bad news, political ads and interviews.

Yes, we’re nearing the end of the campaign, and I must say I’m grateful. Maybe it’s just me, but I truly can’t wait until Nov. 4. I don’t think I ever remember a time when so much effort was invested in discussing every nuance of a candidate’s life.

I’m waiting for members of the press to visit Obama and McCain’s dentists to see if they brush their teeth and floss. Maybe that will sway public opinion.

On top of the relentless coverage of every word that McCain and Obama utter is the latest stressor concerning what amounts to an economic tsunami.

We seem to have gotten into financial quicksand and now we have to not only elect a new president but also heal the Wall Street mess. I’m sure there are many of you out there who are suffering from stress-related symptoms because of all of the above. I know I’m concerned.

But as an educator in the field of stress management, I do know that there are some things we can do to help us through these trying times.

Try not to catastrophize and awfulize. We humans have a propensity toward making situations worse than they are. Try to expend your energy figuring out what is possible. Believe me, I know it’s easier said than done.

Don’t spend countless hours watching the news. There are a lot of spinmeisters on TV. The more you hear the same bad news repeated the more your body/mind feels it’s under assault. You’ll find yourself getting anxious, irritable or depressed. You cannot deal with problems rationally when you’re manifesting physical symptoms that make you want to fight or flee.

Take breaks from your worries by going to a movie, exercising, meditating or hanging out with someone you really care for. Our brains need vacations from our fear-based thoughts. If you can find someone to laugh with, you’ve found a real treasure.

Try to discuss issues with individuals who tend to think positively. Having a group whining session only makes the world seem much gloomier than it is.

Remember that you have survived up until this point. You have strengths that have gotten you through. Whenever life was handing me lemons, my mother would always say, “This too shall pass.”

She was right; I’m still here, and if you’re reading this, so are you.